Question

A child at the top of a slide de has a gravitational store of 1800J. What is the child's maximum kinetic store as he slides down? Explain why

Answer 1

Hi there!

We know that:

Initial Total Mechanical Energy = Final Total Mechanical Energy

(Ei = Ef)

In this instance:

Ei = Gravitational Potential Energy

Ef = Kinetic Energy

In the absence of friction, ALL of the initial potential energy will be changed into kinetic energy at the bottom of the slide. Thus, the maximum kinetic energy of the child will be 1800 J.

Answer 2

The maximum is 1800 J since energy is not created nor destroyed, it is just transformed. In this example, gravitational potential energy is transformed to kinetic energy.